Penske Truck Accident Lawyer in Charlotte

Penske started in 1969 in Pennsylvania with only three locations. Now, Penske operates a fleet of 308,000 vehicles with over 2,400 truck rental locations in North America. Penske offers customers truck rentals, contract fleet maintenance, used truck sales, and full-service leasing. With such a massive business presence in the United States, it is no wonder that accidents involving Penske trucks happen regularly.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident due to another person's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Under North Carolina law, victims of personal injury accidents are entitled to damages caused by the truck accident. After a careful investigation, one of the skilled attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, will determine who was at fault for your accident.

Our attorneys will gather evidence against the defendant or defendants who caused your injuries. We will advocate for your right to compensation. We are also skilled negotiators with insurance companies, helping our clients obtain a fair settlement agreement. The sooner you discuss your case with an attorney, the better. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your initial consultation.

Driving a truck is a demanding occupation, and truck drivers are on the road for long periods of time. Many truck drivers do not take their legally required breaks to rest, making them fatigued and unsafe on the road. The nature of the job makes it more likely for truck drivers to put others at risk due to negligence, fatigue, and distracted driving. We will discuss the common causes of Penske truck accidents below.

Distracted driving often includes using a cell phone while driving. Truck drivers are on the road for long periods of time and could be tempted to use text messaging, voice calls, emails, social media, or GPS while driving. Sometimes, they daydream and stare out the window, losing focus on the road. In other cases, they will skip pulling over to eat to save time and eat their lunch while driving. Anytime a truck driver or any other driver takes their eyes off the road, it puts other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians in danger.

Fatigue is another massive issue among truck drivers. Truck drivers are paid by the mile and may feel pressure to deliver cargo as quickly as possible. The federal government regulates how long a truck driver can be behind the wheel. Truck drivers need to take legally mandated breaks from driving. Unfortunately, many truck drivers disregard regulations and refuse to take breaks because they want to complete their jobs and get paid as quickly as they can.

In other cases, the Penske truck accident is not the truck driver's fault. The trucking company may be liable for failure to maintain the truck properly. Truck owners may cut corners to save money and fail to keep their trucks on regular maintenance schedules. Again, even though the federal government regulates the type of maintenance trucks need, some trucking companies disregard these standards. Faulty equipment, especially brake systems on trucks, can cause devastating injuries.

Driver error is another common cause of Penske truck accidents. Driving a large vehicle requires a certain type of experience and training. Trucking companies are legally obligated to ensure that their truck drivers are trained and have enough experience to drive safely on the road. When trucking companies do not put skilled and qualified drivers on the road, the victims may be able to hold the trucking company liable. Finally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause devastating truck accidents.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we are dedicated to counseling, advocating, and solving problems for our clients. We have years of experience successfully representing clients in the greater Charlotte area. While you focus on your recovery from your serious injury, we can handle every aspect of your case.

We will handle negotiations with insurance adjusters, monitor your treatment, and determine the best way to seek compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and lost income. If you have been injured in a Penske truck accident, it is essential that you discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free initial consultation.